A couple of weeks ago, a fellow bag-loving friend of mine sent me a photo of herself with a Saint Laurent Niki Monogram YSL Large Flap Shoulder Bag. I’m embarrassed to say, but at first I had no idea what the bag was. Of course I knew it was Saint Laurent, thanks to the large YSL logo, but the rest was a mystery.
A few minutes later, she sent a follow-up message that read, “I just bought it!” For the next hour, I did a deep-dive into all I could find online about the style.
Here’s an abridged version: Some of you may be quite familiar with the Niki, given it was first released in Saint Laurent’s Spring 2018 campaign featuring the legendary Kate Moss. It has been pretty successful ever since, worn on the shoulders of models, celebrities, and influencers. (Not that that really matters, but what’s important to note is the bag drew attention from some major names in fashion.)
What initially drew me to the Niki was its vintage, rock and roll vibe, featuring distressed aged leather and brushed gunmetal hardware. It’s chic and durable all at the same time.
I was instantly attracted to the shiny Noir black-on-black version, which includes a sliding chain and leather shoulder strap. Small or medium, every Niki bag features a convenient exterior slip pocket under the YSL flap, as well as a trusted magnetic closure, and a monochromic logo (the less flashy, the better).
Compared to handbag prices at the moment, the Niki is somewhat affordable. Ringing in at $2,290 (for the medium size), I definitely think it would make a great everyday bag. It’s spacious enough to fit an iPad and/or very small personal laptop, as well as a book, full-sized wallet, keys, and more. The crossbody chain makes it practical, allowing you to go hands-free when needed. (Always a bonus!)
What do you think about the Niki bag? Definite yes or pass? Let me know why in the comments below! Also, if anyone has one, please speak up! As for me, it’s earned a spot on my “interested” list, though I’m not sure if I’d take the plunge and purchase it. Open to any and all thoughts on that!
Deep Marine Medium Saint Laurent Niki Leather Shoulder Bag ($2,290)
Dusty Gray Medium Saint Laurent Niki Leather Shoulder Bag ($2,290)
Freesia Medium Saint Laurent Niki Leather Shoulder Bag
Noir Medium Saint Laurent Niki Leather Shoulder Bag ($2,290)
Rougue Legion Saint Laurent Medium Niki Leather Shoulder Bag ($2,290)
Love it! Own it! I have a strange YSL fetish:) And the sales reps are the nicest people, which totally helps:)
I have debated about this bag for a while. I like the style of it and suit well with how I usually dress myself. However I already have a YSL Large College in black vintage leather, the texture of which looks quite like the leather used on niki. College look more “college” lol, I mean, looks like a satchel with more structure while Niki is relaxed. but Niki is so popular now that there’s no discount, and 2.5K after tax I can’t justify it – since I have a similar style and the interior is non-leather.
I might look at the pre-owned market when the trend cool-downs a bit. And I’m only eyeing on the beige/Burgundy/teal color, and only if it’s unde 1.5K for a medium …
I don’t really care for the bag. I really like YSL, but distressed is not my thing. What the bag did get me thinking about is chain straps. Chain straps are everywhere, and they have been for a while. But I feel like there was a time not too long ago when only Chanel did the chain strap. My question for the holder of the fashion crystal ball is, am I going to regret in a couple of years all of these high end bags with chain straps?
I’m not a fan of the chain strap for multiple reasons but they are literally EVERYWHERE! While I don’t think they are regrettable, I do wish we were seeing more options do we can choose to diversify our looks.
My thing with chain straps is that they can be noisy and in my winter climate, cold.
I have this bag in two colors and love it! It’s very versatile and can be dressed up or down. It is lightweight, even with the chain straps, and comfortable to wear. The ONLY downside, IMO, is that the magnetic closure is super strong (fixed by adding Avery reinforcement labels to the magnetic surface to weaken its strength) and the front pocket can appear to pull if you have a lot of weight in the bag or leave the exterior pocket empty. With that said, I still find it to be a great bag. The leather is great for wetter climates like mine as well. Not too delicate.
I like the look of this bag as well. It also seems pretty rock n roll to me, which I like. My favorite colorway is any of the deep reds. So pretty!
agreed. If I’m going to buy this bag I’ll get the Burgundy, or teal, or beige.
I am a recent and very happy YSL fan. Now own 2 YSL bags (Lou Lou and Envelope Clutch) and very impressed with the quality of the bags. Great leather and hardware and they have an edgy style. However, the Niki may be a little too distressed for me. Still looks like an intetesting bag though.
I don’t like anything YSL is doing, but I love the work of the artist behind this article’s graphic.
I really like the Nikki and think it’s going to be my birthday or Christmas present to myself this year. I really love when hardware color matches the leather color.
Perfect for those who shop at Ann Taylor LOFT.
If you are carrying a Birkin then yes, I understand your feelings about the comparison to YSL and Ann Taylor.
However, what’s wrong with carrying a designer bag and wearing a Target tee?
And if you are like myself and like to consistently carry a different bag every week then LV, Chanel, YSL, Gucci, Balenciaga etc…are where my money is spent.
Opposed to carrying a Birkin that feels like I need to use it everyday.
Please don’t hate on YSL, they design stylish shoes, bags and apparel at reasonable prices.
The infighting and name-calling in this discussion thread was deleted. We hold our commenting audience on PurseBlog to higher standards than what I witnessed on this post. We’ll write a post about this in the coming weeks, but in the meanwhile I want to make clear that we are not going to let this rampant drama continue unfolding here.
Don’t knock “The Loft”…cheap work clothes = expensive handbags. 😉
Haha I feel you.
I’m not overly keen on it. It looks a tad cheap to me. Maybe I have to see it in real life to express an accurate judgement.
I want it.
I’m not sure. I’d have to see it in person.
It has a very worn, comfortable look about. I’m not sure that’s so good, though. Looks a little too shabby for YSL (at least in my estimation.)
I’m sorry but YSL just screams 2000s and bad quality.
Not my taste. I don’t want to buy a $2000+ new bag that already looks used (ok, “pre-loved”). My preference is for bags that still look new a couple of years after buying them, not bags that look aged before they’ve even left the store. Nonetheless, I get how that aesthetic might appeal to some.
Chanel knock-off
I don’t see similarity of Niki vs any Chanel bag although I think the inspiration of designing a bag with such “vibe” echoes Chanel Gabrielle.
Cielet this does look similar to Chanel Up in the Air flaps
that was my fist thought
I love that bag. The black and the dark smog colors are wonderful.
YSL has lost its charm as a premium brand to me. I think it is stuck somewhere between premium and contemporary. The bags look it too.
As someone who has a lot of classic bags, ie. Chanel, Gucci, Prada, etc. I find my Niki such a fun and easy piece to carry. I have it in Freesia and the LouLou in Burgundy. I reach for them when I’m dressing more casually, and also when I’m not worried about hurting a bag. I’m pretty rough on my bags and have accidentally damaged a few. These hold up amazingly well, and the price point is so reasonable IMO.
First reaction is: Pass.
First reaction: Pass.
Hideous. Not worth that price.
I view distressed leather the same way I view pre-ripped jeans…they both look fake and cheap to me. It’s one thing to use a bag yourself until it has genuine signs of wear, but this just looks like cheap stuff on a Macy’s bargain table at sale time.
I will not buy the bags shown but I am very interested in the Nikki Shopper.
This article made me dig out my Reissue Tote in distressed calfskin and fall in love with it all over again. Available preloved for less than £1200 ($1200).
Love this bag, have been considering it myself. You cannot go wrong with black . As ridiculous as it sounds to need “a designer bag when you’re running errands,” I really think this style fits that need: a casual, cool, can be dressed up or dressed down in athleisure while you’re running to target.
I have the Niki large bag in black – its fantastic – not like a Chanel at all – its much more casual and fun, the vintage leather is actually beautiful, and the black YSL logo is super unique. Love this bag – and great size too! I was skeptical at first, and then when I saw it, I was all in! : ) Also, the leather is distressed, but the bag still looks new to me!
I just bought the Niki (actually waiting for it to be mailed to me as we speak). I love it especially the baby version which you can dress up. It looks soooo much classier than an LV monogrammed whatever if you’re going out with the girls, etc.
Not sure how you can compare this to a Chanel when it’s two different looks and styles. Unless people go grocery shopping with their classic flap? I don’t know about that…
Adding this to a year old thread! 70s style, worn-in, classic designer, quality construction, resale value…all making this bag an essential fall/winter must have! Love it in caramel. Structured bags definitely have their place but this bag is 100% a perfect combination of current 20/21 trend and a timeless classic. Chefs kiss.